Can Gemstones Significantly Help to Reduce Premature Deaths?

In the UK, it is that time of year when over 1 in 50 people suffer from Seasonal Affects Disorder (SAD). Many more, perhaps as many as 1 in 8 people, have 'winter blues' - a less severe form of the condition. In the USA, sources suggest that SAD affects even more people; between 4%-6% or 2-3 in 50 people.

The symptoms of SAD usually recur regularly each winter, starting between September and November and continuing until March or April. People are diagnosed from suffering SAD after three or more consecutive winters of symptoms, including depression, sleep problems, lethargy, cognitive difficulties and anxiety. Furthermore, people with SAD tend to over eat and have social problems during the winter period, which slowly improves in spring.

Alan Roddis, Managing Director of G.A.E.A. Limited says, "SAD is a recognized disorder that is specifically apparent in Northern and Southern hemisphere countries. Light therapy; sitting in front of a special bright light for periods each day, is reportedly an effective treatment. Other options for treatment are the same as for other types of depression and many SAD websites indicate that antidepressant medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy is used to treat the disorder.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is based on the idea that certain ways of thinking can trigger certain mental health problems such as depression. Therapists help people suffering from depression by helping them to identify any harmful and unhelpful ideas or thoughts which make them depressed. The aim is then to change the person's thinking to avoid these ideas. This is the fundamental idea behind metaphysical healing; the individual is his or her own healer, responsible for creating both health and illness.

Spiritual and esoteric experts may argue that the negative energy which can surround us all, specifically in dark winter periods, can be counter balanced by positive energy and such positive energy can be extracted and directed from sources such as crystals and gemstones. Whether the crystal or gemstone actually provides/directs the energy or not is the subject of much debate. However, the positive mental patterns of the individual; believing the gemstone does help to remove the negative energy, helps to relax and de-stress the individual, removing anxiety and tension.

Roddis continues, "Millions of people believe that gemstones and crystals vibrate to certain numbers, and/or radiate energy. Practices such as Chakra or Reiki use gemstones to help the healing process. Whether one totally believes in these somewhat intangible processes is not the issue. The issue is that, to the believer, the processes work and it is this mental boost which undoubtedly helps the individual to heal or address his or her negative issues.

Even if we forget the spiritual and esoteric side of these minerals, gemstones such as Aquamarine, Orange River Quartz, Labradorite or Gomedh are aesthetically enchanting and bring joy and happiness to the wearer. Faceted Aquamarine gemstones, for example, beautifully reflect light; something which could help in the treatment of SAD.

Like crystals, gemstones are also highly tactile, bringing a sense of calm when handled and worn. These tangible gemstone qualities again affect the mental patterns of an individual, either consciously or unconsciously.

Roddis continues, "It is believed that these positive mental thoughts derived from gemstones are a form of cognitive therapy and can help an individual to alleviate difficulties associated with depression; and SAD. Millions of people all around the world, across all cultures believe that gemstones and crystals have their place in the healing process of an individual, helping to address anxiety, tension and stress; the effects of SAD".

In the UK, the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association supports and advises people with the condition. For further information see, www.sada.org.uk

G.A.E.A. Limited specialises in the faceting rare and unique precious gemstones and crystals

We have been in the jewellery manufacturing business since 1984 and gemstone and diamond production since 1989

Our expertise is faceting specimen rough gemstones and crystals. Each and every gemstone in our premier collection is uniquely faceted; a one of a kind and the only one in existence

There are not many materials which we will not custom facet for that special occasion or purpose. We have faceted all types of materials from Gallstones to Emeralds

The faceting process starts with the selection of the right rough. The gemstone rough must have specific qualities in order for a quality of the final product to be created

We examine rough for clarity and colour and in the case of “healing stones” look to enhance it to it’s maximum effect.